“Even though families traveling to Washington, D.C. are no longer able to visit the White House, the United States Capitol is still open for free, public tours for visitors,” said Chair McMorris Rodgers. “It is unfortunate President Obama chose to eliminate public tours of the White House as a result of his sequester – arbitrary across-the-board spending cuts – instead of government waste, but we are proud to keep the doors to the beautiful, historic U.S. Capitol open for all.”

The President’s decision to cut White House tours is a stark contrast to the philosophy the White House has always promoted. In fact, on the White House website, First Lady, Michelle Obama wrote, “The White House . . . is the ‘People’s House.’ It’s a place that is steeped in history, but it’s also a place where everyone should feel welcome. And that's why my husband and I have made it our mission to open up the house to as many people as we can.”

While the White House has closed its doors to the public, the U.S. Capitol remains open. Tours of the Capitol can be scheduled by clickinghereor contacting your Member of Congress here.